I just wanted to touch bases with the visitors on The Coop, especially those that are involved with the recent (sort of) discussions about the board and features.

Back Story: I actaully started The Coop in 1995 as a project to learn html. It has kind of taken on a life of it's own despite the fact that I've sort of drifted away the past few years.

Present: I'm not sure why the server change messed up the board. I've had numersou trouble tickets and support calls, and never got anyone to admit they could find anyting. I'm glad it seems to be working now, ut that is as much of a mystery as it ceasing to function.

The Future:If anyone has experience with board software I am considering:1> Moving the whole thing to a new, more reliable server. We are with WEB.com. we ended up there after about 4 or 5 mergers, and I'm not impressed. They have been problematic for several years and the past year have really gone down hill. I have a couple possible places in mind, but want to figure out how to preserve the board and it's contents. we moved things to a new board years back and ended up loosing all the old material which was a shame.2> Upgrading the Discussion Board, possibly to UBB Threads, which is a later version of this software, but it operates on SQL instead of a flat file system. This particular software has been installed here since 2003, so it is no spring chicken.

What's holding me up?

Finding the time to do the research, particularly on the board and how we can move things around. Also, the license for the updated software is $199, Having them do an upgrade install $149 etc. Not a lot, but it adds up. I just want to be sure we are making a difference if I make the investment.

Any of you know anything about UBB Threads? Can we keep our past history switching from UBB classic to Threads? If you have any experience in these areaas or want to do a little research, let me know. Drop me a private message. I may not get back to you same day, but I'll try and look regularly.

The value of this board cannot be measured for the years service to poultry people, in the U.S. and abroad.

It would not be difficult to raise the money to support change of the board--from the members. With the numbers of members, a token donation from those who could-would do the job--but would require a method and a handler!

??? CJR, with no clue about the software possibilities, just:

with GRATEFUL THANKS TO LOREN, FOR THE YEARS OF SERVICE to chicken-folks everywhere, from those many chicken-folks everywhere!!

We are using UBB Classic 6.7.2 so according to this we can transfer all our information to the new software.

From UBB ThreadsWe currently offer import/upgrade scripts in our Members Area for the following forum software: UBB.threads 6.5.x UBB.classic 6.7.x phpBB 2.x

We take the time to make sure all of our import scripts import as much data as possible including things like polls, private messages, and a variety of data. We also include redirect scripts with each importer that will redirect users to the new imported posts allowing for a seamless migration without losing Search Engine Ranking.

UBB.threads™ users. Please note, if you are not running at least version 6.5, you will need to upgrade your forum to 6.5 at the minimum before importing to version 7.

UBB.classic™ users. Please note, if you are not running at least version 6.7, you will need to upgrade your forum to 6.7 at the minimum before importing to version 7.

Here is a UBB threads forum. Keep in mind that it can be scaled or customized to fit our needs. web page

I spend very little time here in the classroom these days but it will always be a part of me. This is where I found help the first time I needed it. I have learned so much since then.

Loren...give us a way to help financially. Maybe old school? An address to send you a check, P.O. box or something? I pledge $25 to keep things going.

Yes, yes and again I say yes! It would be a shame to not keep The Coop going and I too would send along some of my weird, Canadian money for ugrade / change purposes. This site is loaded with so much wisdom! Thanks to Loren for starting someting wonderful!

M2 Agree. Now CJR I think you should be the method and the handler. Don`t think CJR is set up for paypal but MO or check would work. Sorry to try and put this on you Jean , but you are one of the most honest persons I know. And when it comes to money we need an honest person. So will you do it ? Please. Rog. PS I`ll send you $25.00 too.